The Machu Picchu Effect: Break Through Your Subconscious Barriers

I couldn’t take one more step.

I felt exhausted. Gasping for breath. My legs ached; my entire body was shaking as I struggled to find my next foothold. I had already fallen 3 times. The struggle was real, I’d never been physically nor mentally challenged like this before. 

Hiking for over 8 hours that day … having trekked for 18 miles through rough stone tracks. At least 2 hours yet to go and I was giving it my best to keep up with everyone. I felt like I was done, struggling to keep tears at bay.

My dream of experiencing Machu Picchu was slipping through my fingers. Having come this far I began to wonder if would I ever make it to the ancient site?

Desperately wanting to give up, in the silence of my struggle I heard my guide say “just take one more step.”

Immediately it became my new mantra. Under each breath I began to whisper to my inner self, “one more step” … “one more” … 

Stumbling into the mountainside camp that evening, I managed enough energy to look up and face the final hurdle that stood before me:  a 10-foot climb up a rickety ladder. Drawing upon the cheers and support of my fellow trekkers I found the energy to slowly crawl up the ladder. “She’s here! She made it!” At that moment, I was reminded that the tough parts of any journey are made easier by the support of others. I could not have done this on my own.

My deep sense of accomplishment lifted my spirits. I had made it. Tears of relief burst like a damn overflowing, clearing the way for joy and contentment. Finding the strength and ability to overcome my limiting beliefs that surfaced along my journey was an eye-opener for my own personal development. That feeling of being stuck, not fit/good enough, and my fear of failure had shifted because I found the courage to “just take one more step.”

When I decided to take this journey to Peru, I had been helping organizations with team dynamics for 10 years. I had written a book “Unleashing Team Potential: Lessons for Managers from My Canine Friends”. I got into this work following 25 years as a Registered Social Worker helping 1000’s of people with therapy and energy work. My practice specialized in addictions, mental health, and trauma. I had forgotten that Social Work was a career that allowed me to use all my strengths and the joy that it had provided me. At times I struggled with my consulting work feeling like I had lost my way.

It wasn’t until my return home that I truly “got” clarity … the valuable lessons from this experience. As I reflected upon my trek to Machu Picchu, I learned that when I felt I had hit an end, I could tap into my previously unknown reserves with the right resolve. Having now a deeper sense of trust and awareness in myself and my strengths, I know that when the going gets tough, when breakthroughs seem impossible, I can accomplish anything with the right mindset and support. Going on this journey helped make those connections for me.

I’ve always had a passion for helping others. It’s the reason I originally became a Social Worker. It’s the reason I became an expert in energy therapy and my love for doing Akashic Readings. My experience at Machu Picchu showed me that I can go even deeper with my clients than I have ever done before.

The Machu Picchu Effect is the path that helped me become clear and return to my roots. It was time to take these lessons of healing to the world.